For the third time in three years, Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley wants Maryland ratepayers to subsidize a $1.5 billion wind farm 10 miles offshore from Ocean City. Lawmakers have every reason to wonder, first, why such a subsidy is even necessary if the project truly holds promise; and second, whether further subsidies for such projects are wise, especially given those already in existence.

This is O’Malley’s third attempt to secure the subsidy, which places a surcharge on Maryland ratepayers. It comes on the heels of Congress’ passage of a $12 billion, one-year extension of the federal wind power production tax credit as part of “fiscal cliff” legislation. O’Malley’s previous attempts to ram this project through the legislature have been thwarted. Although a bill passed the House of Delegates last spring, it died in the state Senate.